Minister of Health pocket book
July 2023
Table of contents
- A. Health Portfolio overview highlights
- B. Ministerial responsibilities
- C. The Portfolio
- D. Key messages
- E. Key messages on priority issues
- F. Key contacts
A. Health Portfolio overview highlights
Portfolio organizations
- Health Canada (HC)
- Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB)
Deputy Minister and agency heads
- Dr. Stephen Lucas, DM – HC
- Heather Jeffrey, President – PHAC
- Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer - PHAC
- Dr. Harpreet Kochhar, President - CFIA
- Catherine MacLeod, A/President – CIHR
- Thomas J. Digby, Chair – PMPRB
2023-24 Budget and full-time equivalents (FTEs)
- HC: $4,100,226,285 / 8,813 FTEs
- PHAC: $4,216,773,473 / 3,338 FTEs
- CFIA: $842,083,472 / 6,287 FTEs
- CIHR: $1,351,640,781 / 625 FTEs
- PMPRB: $17,093,674 / 81 FTEs
Health of Canadians and the health care system
- As Canadians continue to recover from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Portfolio has shifted its focus and resources away from the acute pandemic response, in which it played a key role, to other urgent health issues for Canadians, and preparedness for future health emergencies.
- Despite significant progress, chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lower respiratory disease and diabetes continue to be the greatest causes of mortality in Canada.
- Health is a shared responsibility in Canada, with the federal government and the provinces and territories (PTs) having distinct roles. The Minister of Health is responsible for setting and administering national standards for the health care system through the Canada Health Act (CHA), and provides funding support for provincial and territorial health care services through the Canada Health Transfer.
- Federal health activities include providing health care to federal populations (e.g. Correctional Service Canada) and certain Indigenous communities (through Indigenous Services Canada), along with programs to protect and promote health, and regulate health and consumer products, food and harmful substances, and patented drug prices.
- PTs manage, organize and deliver health care services to their residents through provision of PT health insurance plans, and regulate health professions within PT jurisdiction.
- The health care system is under strain from longstanding issues, which were compounded by COVID-19. Too many Canadians can't access the care they need in a timely way because of workforce shortages, outdated organizational and fee structures and a fragmented health data system.
- On February 7, 2023, the Prime Minister announced the "Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians" planwith close to $200 billion over ten years in additional funding over ten years to improve health care, including $46.2 billion in new funding for provinces and territories (PTs).
- The Government has also made significant new commitments to improve the oral health of Canadians, including the launch of the interim Canada Dental Benefit for children under 12 in December 2022 – which has already helped nearly 350,000 children – and a commitment to begin rolling out the Canadian Dental Care Plan for seniors, persons with disabilities and children starting in 2023. Full implementation to all Canadian residents with family income under $90,000 will be completed by 2025.
- To address inequities in Canadians' access to medication, the Government has further committed to implement national pharmacare, including a Canadian Drug Agency, a national formulary, a national strategy for drugs for rare diseases, and a Canada Pharmacare Legislation.
- Canada's changing climate is resulting in negative health impacts with more frequent and severe weather events, heat waves and fires, natural disasters, and water quality issues.
- The rise in youth vaping and the threat of antimicrobial resistance are examples of other health challenges facing Canadians, areas in which the Health Portfolio is leading work to ensure Canadians are safe and informed to make healthy choices.
- The opioid crisis continues to ravage communities across Canada. This is one of the most significant public health crises in a generation—from 2007 to 2022, opioid-related deaths increased by nearly 250% in Canada.In addition, more than 1/5 Canadians who report a need for mental health services do not know where or how to get help.
Federal health regulation
- The Health Portfolio administers and enforces over 160 regulations and 40 Acts, directly impacting the health and safety of Canadians.
- This includes providing regulatory oversight throughout the lifecycle (from clinical trials to market safety surveillance) of a wide range of health products including drugs, biologics (such as vaccines and tissues), medical devices, veterinary drugs, consumer products, natural health products, food, chemicals and pesticides.
- Canada has experienced a growing number of drug and health product shortages in recent years. With the creation of a departmental Drug Shortages Task Force in late 2022, Health Canada has bolstered its capacity for surveillance, data collection, analysis, and engagement with PTs, key supply chain players, and patient groups to mitigate impacts of shortages and move towards greater prevention where possible.
Environmental health
- Climate change and extreme weather are affecting lives in Canada. Canada is already facing record-breaking climate events. Wildfires, extreme heat waves and floods are becoming more frequent.
- On June 27, 2023, Canada's first National Adaptation Strategy was released following two years of engagement with provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, key experts, stakeholders and partners across Canada. The strategy presents a whole-of-society approach to reducing risk and building climate-resilient communities.
- As wildfires become more common and more extreme, the Government of Canada is focused on keeping people safe while strengthening our long-term response. Across the country, several provinces and territories are experiencing a severe wildfire season, and the effects are already widespread, such as impacting air quality and thereby the health of Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to a whole-of-government approach to supporting communities affected by wildfires.
Public health
- On May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, as the data shows that the death rate globally has slowed down, reflecting widespread vaccination, availability of better treatments and a level of population immunity from prior infections.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to work in collaboration with the WHO, international partners, provinces and territories, and health care organizations to transition critical emergency response activities to longer-term sustained COVID-19 disease prevention, control, and management.
- Ample vaccines, treatments, tests and personal protective equipment will be available in case of a fall 2023 resurgence. Advice from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) will continue to inform Canada's COVID-19 vaccination strategy.
- The Agency also handles considerable non-pandemic related work, with priority activities in the areas of breast cancer screening, a national autism strategy, delivery of a dementia strategy, and efforts to reduce antimicrobial resistance.
B. Ministerial responsibilities
The Health Portfolio is mandated to help Canadians maintain and improve their health. Portfolio's main activities, include:
- Strengthening our universal health care system;
- Enabling access to safe, high-quality health and food products;
- Responding to public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Engaging people to adopt behaviours and make changes to reduce risk of developing chronic disease, and promote health and well-being;
- Managing risks to health; and,
- Supporting health research and science, data collection and surveillance capacity.
You will be supported by five science-based organizations:
- Health Canada (HC);
- Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC);
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA);
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR); and
- The quasi-judicial Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB).
C. The Portfolio
Health Canada (HC)
- Supports universally accessible, publicly funded health care for Canadians through administration of the Canada Health Act, leadership on emerging issues, and cooperation with PTs on system improvements.
- Enables access to safe and effective health products by assessing and regulating health products, such as drugs and medical devices.
- Pandemic response: Since January 2020, Health Canada has played a key role in contributing to the pandemic response. For example, Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines, which were then rolled out across the country.
- Supports Canadians in making safe and healthy choices through public education and awareness campaigns to communicate health and safety information.
- Manages the health risks of harmful substances, cannabis, consumer products, chemicals and pesticides and reduces environmental health risks such as climate change.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
- Pandemic and infectious disease response: Responsible for emergency preparedness and response, providing key services in the federal response including: coordinating with PTs, providing epidemiological and modelling information to support good decision making, financing and rolling out vaccines and supporting a public health focused border posture.
- Protects the health of Canadians by providing national leadership in anticipating, preparing for and responding to public health events and emergencies, and providing timely public health information to prevent disease and issues of concern.
- Promotes the well-being of Canadians by preventing the spread of infectious diseases, chronic disease and injury.
- Supports Canadians in making healthy choices by promoting healthy behaviour and practices, and addressing the root causes of health inequalities.
- Collaborates with a wide range of partners and stakeholders including provinces and territories, Indigenous and international partners, on shared health priorities.
- Supports public health action through surveillance, evidence and public education, and promotes the use of evidence by public health practitioners and policy makers.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- Safeguards Canada's food supply to keep Canadians safe and healthy.
- Protects Canada's plant and animal resources from pests and diseases.
- Supports Canadian food businesses as they compete, innovate and grow in domestic and global markets.
- Reports through the Minister of Health except in agriculturally focused areas, where the agency reports through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Mandated to support research and innovation, CIHR uses the power of research to improve the health of Canadians, solve health challenges and make our health care system more efficient and effective.
- Invests over a billion dollars annually to support over 15,000 world-class researchers and trainees, supporting biomedical, clinical, health systems services, and population health research pillars.
- Prioritizes activities that: advance research excellence in all its diversity; strengthen Canadian health research capacity; accelerate the self-determination of Indigenous peoples in health research; pursue health equity through research; and integrate evidence in health decisions; all while committing to organizational excellence.
- Supports Canada's research enterprise by working closely with other federal granting agencies (the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council), and with other domestic and international partners.
- Composed of 13 "virtual" institutes focusing on a specific area of research. Each institute is led by an internationally renowned scientist and works on a broad spectrum of topic areas.
Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB)
- Mandated to protect Canadian consumers from excessive drug pricing and report on drug trends and research and development (R&D) spending by patentees.
- Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) is an independent, quasi-judicial consumer protection agency at arm's length from the Minister of Health.
- PMPRB's Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day administration and oversight of its public service staff.
- The Minister of Health has responsibility for the PMPRB. Under the authority of the Patent Act (s. 90), the Minister may also direct the PMPRB to inquire into any matter regarding patented medicine prices and report its findings.
D. Key messages
- I am honoured to be appointed Minister of Health.
- I look forward to being briefed by officials from my Health Portfolio on the pressing issues affecting the health and safety of Canadians.
- I also look forward to working collaboratively with my federal counterparts, provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners.
If pressed on specific Health Portfolio issues:
- Thank you for your question. That is certainly something on my radar, and an issue I look forward to learning much more about.
- As mentioned, I will soon be meeting with officials from the Health Portfolio. I welcome the opportunity to speak to you in more depth on this issue in the weeks to come.
E. Key messages on priority issues
Shared health priorities
Issue:
- On February 7, 2023, the Government of Canada outlined its "Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians" plan to invest close to $200 billion to improve health care services for Canadians.
Proposed Response:
- Canadians deserve a universal, accessible and high-quality health care system that provides timely access to health services when and where they need them.
- I understand that we have reached agreements in principle with almost all provinces and territories based on the plan discussed by the Prime Minister and Premiers in February 2023. I look forward to working closely with my counterparts to finalize bilateral agreements based on our shared priorities.
- My focus will be to collaborate with provinces and territories to deliver outcomes for Canadians and improve the health care system that they value and depend on.
Dental care
Issue:
- In December 2022, the Government of Canada launched the Canada Dental Benefit to support families who need it most by helping cover dental care expenses for their children under 12 years of age.
Proposed Response:
- No one should have to choose between taking care of their teeth and paying their bills. I am committed to improving access to affordable dental care in Canada.
- The interim Canada Dental Benefit has helped close to 350,000 children get brighter smiles and healthier teeth.
- We know that children are not the only ones who need better access to affordable dental care. That is why Budget 2023 announced an investment of $13 billion over five years, starting in 2023-24, and $4.4 billion ongoing, to implement the new Canadian Dental Care Plan.
- I look forward to being a part of the important dental care plan as it begins rolling out at the end of this year.
COVID-19
Issue:
- The response to COVID-19 has required coordination and collaboration from all levels of government. While the pandemic is not over, it is important to take stock of the lessons learned thus far to help inform our continued and collective response to COVID-19, future public health events, and regular business activities. Health Canada (HC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) are undertaking lessons learned and review exercises at the federal level.
Proposed Response:
- There are and continue to be lessons for everyone—in Canada and around the world—from the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to take stock of the lessons learned that we are well positioned and prepared to respond to future health emergencies.
- The impacts of the pandemic were devastating and they continue to persist – our most vulnerable communities, our health workers and our health systems were all impacted.
- From my vantage point, I can say that as a Canadian I'm incredibly proud of our efforts, including in achieving high vaccine coverage and adhering to public health measures.
- Budget 2023 investments in health and public health will help ensure that Canada is well placed to adapt to a changing global health landscape.
Drug shortages
Issue:
- Drug shortages are a global issue that can negatively impact the health of Canadians. Canada has experienced a growing number of shortages with increasing severity and duration in recent years, including children's cough and cold medicines. Together with its partners, Health Canada identifies solutions to help prevent, mitigate, and resolve drug shortages that could impact Canada's drug supply and health care system.
Proposed Response:
- Ensuring Canadians can get the medicines they need is one of the Government of Canada's top priorities.
- I look forward to discussions with Health Canada officials to learn more about what the department is doing to prevent drug shortages and help resolve them when they do occur.
- I also look forward to working in partnership with provincial and territorial governments, industry stakeholders, healthcare system partners, and patient groups on this important issue in the weeks and months ahead.
Pharmacare
Issue:
- The Government of Canada has committed to the priority of improving access to needed prescription drugs, including engaging with willing provinces and territories towards a national universal pharmacare program.
Proposed Response:
- Canadians should not have to choose between paying for prescription drugs and putting food on the table.
- Unfortunately, many are still forced to make this impossible decision.
- We are committed to working toward a national pharmacare and the advancement of a national strategy for drugs for rare diseases.
- I will continue to work with provinces, territories and stakeholders to increase access to affordable drugs, so Canadians can have the drug coverage they need, when they need it.
Climate change and wildfires
Issue:
- The impacts of climate change are becoming increasing evident and pressing as a key issue in public discourse. The 2023 wildfire season has been unprecedented and has also had an impact on air quality and the mental health of those impacted, including first responders. The Portfolio has been supporting the government's response to wildfires and climate change more broadly.
Proposed Response:
- Across Canada, people are already experiencing the negative health impacts of climate change, especially now during an unprecedented wildfire season. We know that as the average temperatures increase, the health impacts will become more severe.
- Flash flooding has devastated communities and families and I've been touched and saddened by the stories of those impacted.
- Climate action is an urgent public health challenge. I am looking forward discussions with departmental officials on the work already underway. I am also planning to engage my federal, provincial and territorial colleagues as soon as possible to align efforts and mobilize to address the most critical issues.
F. Key contacts
Prime Minister's office switchboard
Tel: 613-992-4211
Minister's Office Reception
Tel: 613-957-0200
Health Canada
Dr. Stephen Lucas
Deputy Minister
Tel: 613-957-0212
[REDACT]
Email: stephen.lucas@hc-sc.gc.ca
Eric Costen
Associate Deputy Minister
Tel: 613-948-4542
[REDACT]
Email: eric.costen@hc-sc.gc.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
Heather Jeffrey
President
Tel: 613-946-3498
[REDACT]
Email: heather.jeffrey@phac-aspc.gc.ca
Dr. Theresa Tam
Chief Public Health Officer Tel: 613-954-8524
[REDACT]
Email: theresa.tam@phac-aspc.gc.ca
Nancy Hamzawi
Executive Vice-President
[REDACT]
Email: nancy.hamzawi@phac-aspc.gc.ca
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Dr. Harpreet Kochhar
President
Tel: 613-773-6000
[REDACT]
Email: harpreet.kochhar@inspection.gc.ca
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Catherine MacLeod
A/President
Tel: 613-954-1808
[REDACT]
Email: catherine.macleod@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Patented Medicine Prices Review Board
Thomas J. Digby
Chair
Tel: 613-288-9665
[REDACT]
Email: thomas.digby@pmprb-cepmb.gc.ca
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